Combination guard, aligning, and clamping device for cutting knives



Oct. 8, 1929.

UH. BOSCH, JR 1,730,718 7 Filed June 15, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet l Oct "8, l 929. H. BOSCH, JR 1,730,718

COMBINATION GUARD, ALIGNING, AND CLAMPING DEVICE FOR CUTTING KNIVES Filed June 15, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 E w D 60 I I k k A TTORNE S.

' device for cutting knives. wardly over the s means whereby the material is automatically ti b tw e th Patented-mas, 1929- v ,730,718

UNITED STATES PATENT oF-FrcE HENRY BOSCH, JR.,.OF.IBURLINGAI ME, CALIFORNIA COMBINATION GUARD, ALIGNING, AND CLAMPING DEVICE FOR CUT'IING KNIVES Application filed June 13, 1927. serial'No. 198,376.

' This invention relates to knives for cutting The mechanism so far described is more or trimming sheet material such as paper, or less a standard structure. The material fabric and like materials, and especially to to be trimmed or cut such as paper or the a combination guard, aligning and clamping like is placed on the table A and it is fed fora hearing plate when it is to 55 The object of the present invention is to, be cut and trimmed, the material being generally improve and simplify the construcguided by'a combination gauge and scale such tion and operation of devices of the characas indicated at D during the trimming operaterdescribed; to provide'a stationary guard ti n,

10 wherebythe operator is protected against. In the operation of cutters or trimmers of i ju y. i g d wnw r m v nt f h this character it has happened ina nun'lber cutter; to provide means for ligning the of instances that the operator has become sen l t he O 0 t ed leiati0n verely cut, and in some instances, even lost to the cutting edge; and further o P o hisor her fingers by placing them in a posishearing plate and the knife. 65 secured and clamped during the cuttlng Op- The main object of the present'invention is eration of the cutter. to, prevent such injury by rendering it prac- One form Which the inv n i m y assume tically impossible for the operator to so pois shown by way of illustration in the accomiti th fingers A th f t f h panying drawings in Whi hI; invention is to eliminate danger of injury by 70 il- 1 is a P View P t Cutter, h providing means for el'amping'and securing guard: the combinatlo-n ahgnlng -P p of the'material which is to be cutduring the ing, device and thelne n i' I' actuatlng h cutting operation. A still further feature same, Said View b ing ShOWn partially 1B is to provide means for aligning the material SGCtiOIl to disclose the clamp actuating mechwith relation to the cutter before the material 75 anisni. is secured and clamped. With these features t-J- 2 is a Perspective new of the Cutter in view it will be noted that two bear-- ShOWing e ilttanhnlent of tile g the ing brackets are employed, one indicated at a1ig i g and the p g devlce, and the B and a second bracket at E. These brackmeans for actuating the S ets are, placed on opposite Sides-of the table so g- 3 is a veltiQal Section taken on 11119 and are suitably secured. A rod 8'is secured I-HL g- Said View s w g between the bearing brackets at the points clamping and aligning mechamsm 1n Pulsed indicated at 9 and 10 and a guard plate gen position. p erally indicated at 1.1 is secured thereto.

' Figis a Similar. Segtlon -F gi h This guard plate is substantially semi-cir- '85 aligning and clamping mechan n P- cular in cross-section as shown in Figs. 3-and ing position. 4 and itextends entirely across the entire 5 is a Vertical sectlon takenv on 11119 face of the table, thus guarding the shear- V ig. 1. v ing plate and knife from end to end and ren- 40- R-eferringto-the drawings in detail and pardering it practically impossible for the opticularly Figs. 1 and 2, A indicates a table or erator to place the lingers ina position Where other suitable support which is adapted to they might become cut or otherwise injured. receive the material to be trimmed or 'cut; The lower edge-of the guard is so positioned Securedat one side of the table is a bearing that suflicient's'pace is formed between the 45 bracket generally indicated at B. Pivotaltable top'and the lower edge of the guard to ly supported thereby is :a lever C to which is permit paper or othermaterial to be trimmed ,seeured a cutting or shearing blade generalor-cut E'O be freely passed beneath thesame,

1y indicated at =6 and secured at one end of this space being mdicated at 12 (see' F g. 3). the table is a shearing plate 7 which coop- Thesemlcircular shape on the guard is also erates with the cutting blade 6. important as it provides an inclined surface stance, the edge of the paper might have a tendency to curl upwardly, and in such instances would hamper the work of the operator unless it was deflected or flattened out by the inclined surface of the guard.

The clamping deviceconsists of a plate F which extends from nd to end of the guard and which is hingedly secured to the lower edge of the guard as indicated at 14. This plate is preferably constructed of a resilient material such as spring steel or the like, and its forward edge is cut away to form a pluralityof clamping fingers such as indicated at 15. The clamping device normally assumes the raised position shown in Fig. 3, but means are employed for automatically depressing the clamping fingers so that they will secure or clamp the paper during the cutting operation. The means employed consists of a shaft or rod 16 which is journalled at opposite'euds as indicated at 17 and 18 in the respectivebearing brackets. This rod is provided with aplurality of crank arms 18 which are connected by means of links 19 with the clamping plateF. On the end of the rod 16which is journalled in the bearing bracket B is secured a forked crank arm 20. This fork is engaged by means of a pin 21 which is secured and projects from the periphery of a friction actuated disc 22.

This disc is rotated when movement is imparted to the knife or lever C, and the rotat-' ing movement is transmitted through the pin 21 and the forked crank to rock the rod 16, and movement is thus imparted through the cranks 18 and the links 19 to either depress or raise the clamping fingers 15 as the case may be.

The bearing bracket B is divided into two bearing sections such as indicated at 23 and 24. These bearing sections are sufficiently interspaced to receive the friction disc 22 and four additional discs such as indicated at -25 and 26-26. The lever C 'is secured on a shaft 27. This shaft extends through the bearing 24 and through the several discs 22, 25-25, 26-26 and it also extends through "a bushing 28 'which is journalled in the bearing 23. A washer 29 engages the outer end of the bushing and a spring 30 s interposed between this washer and an adjusting nut 31 which is mounted on the outer end of the shaft 27. The discs 25-25, the washer'29 and the bushing 28 are keyed to the shaft so as to rotate therewith but they are freelyslidahle longitudinally of the shaft. The discs 22 and 26 on the other hand are not keyed to the shaftand as such are free to rotate or remain stationary, independentof the movement of the shaft. The friction disc 22, referring to Fig. 5, is provided with a lug 22 -andthis engages a stop lug 22 which forms a part of the bearing bracket B.

In actual operation, assuming that the lever C and the knife carried thereby assume a raised position, the paper to be trimmed is moved along the gauge D and in under the guard 11 until the forward edge of the paper passes over the shearing plate 7. When the paper is properly aligned, as will hereinafter be described, it is only necessary to depress the lever C so that the knife 6 will move over the forward edge of the shearing plate 7 and thereby cut or trim the paper. During the first or initial movement of the lever C, shaft 27, together with the discs 25-25 will rotate. The discs 26-26 and the disc 22 will also rotate in unisonwith the shaft as sufficient frictional pressure is maintained to cause such rotation. The rotation of the disc 22 will accordingly cause'the pin 21 to swing in a downward direction and this movement will be transmitted through the .forked crank arm 22 to rock the shaft or rod 16. This movement is in turn transmitted through the crank arms 18 and links 19 to depress the clamping plate and fingers 15. The moment clamping position is assumed, disc 22 will'remain stationary dur ng continued downward'movement of the .lever and rotation of the shaft 27 and discs 25-25. The paper or material is of rotation of thediscs 25. 'Discs22 and 26-26 will also rotate in the reverse direction due to the friction imposed thereon and the clamping fingers will immediately be released, and

when a certain elevated position is assumed, I

further movement will be stopped as lug 22" on the friction disc 22 will engage the stop member 22*. The knife may, however, be returned to a complete elevated position or to any position. desired as the connection be tween the discs 25, -26 and 22 is merely frictional. Any frictional tension desired may be obtained by merely adjusting the position of the nut 31'as this increases or decreases the tension of the spring 30 and as such forces the washer 29 and the bushing 28 with more or I less pressure against the friction discs 25, 26 and 22. The spring'also serves its usual function, to wit, that of maintaining the cutting blade in engagement with the forward face of the shearing plate.

The description so far submitted shows that the operator is protected against injury due to the position of the guard and also due to the fact that it is not necessary to hold the paper during the cutting and trimming action as the paper is automatically gripped and clamped the moment downward movement is imparted to the knife. It .was previously stated that the clamping device indicated at F served two functions, first that of clamping and securing the material during the cutting operation, and secondly, that of aligning the members.

paper with relation to the shearing plate and the knife. l

Cutters or trimmers of the character here disclosed are extensively used for trimming it is obvious that it should be trimmed on the lines parallel thereto.

marginal line or on By referring to Fig. 1, it can be seen that if a blueprint having a marginal line is passed under the guard plate and the fingers 15, if the operator-stands on the side of the table adjacent the handle of the lever, C, he will merely have to sight between the fingers 15 to align the marginal line with relation to the forward ends of the fingers. That is, he sights between the fingci if he desires to trim the blue print at a point-exterior of the marginal line and he sights along the ends of the fingers if he desires to trim on the marginal line or inside of the marginal line. In other words, by aligning the marginal line .of the blue- .print or paper with the fingers 15, he simulta neously aligns the marginal line with relation to the shearing plate 7 and the knife 6 as the ends of the fingers 15 align withsaid Thus, when an operator is working a trimmer equippedas here shown, he has two aligning members to work with, to wit, the gauge or scale D and the fingers 15. This insures neat and accurate workmanship and it furthermore materially speeds up the work or output of the operator.- The worker is, at the same time, relieved of the thought of danger and is protected against injury.

While the .guard and the clamping and aligning device are here disclosed in conjunction with a pivotally mountedtrimming knife, it is obvious that it may be attached to vertically movable knives and the like. i

\Yhile other features of the present invention are more or less specifically described, I wish it miderstood that various changes may berestored to within the scope of the append ed claims. Similarly, that various materials and finishes of the several parts employed may be such as the manufacturer may decide or varying conditions or uses" may demand.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is I r 1. In a device of the character described,a support to receive the material to be cut, a shearing plate at one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation to said shearing plate, a pivotally mounted clamping member carried by the support rearwardly of the shearing plate and knife, the longitudinal axis of the pivot and the clamping member being parallel to the shearing plate, said clamping member extending substantially from end to end of the shearing plate and knife and being disposed above the sup port so that the material to be cut must be passed under the vclamping member and placed in position to be cut, and means actuated by downward movement of the knife for swinging the clamping member into clamping position, said means automatically raising-the clampingmember movement of the knife.

2. In a device of the character described, a support to receive the material to be cut, a shearing plateat one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation to said shearing plate, a flexible clamping member secured to the support and extending substantially from end to end of the shearing plate and knife, said clan'iping member bein dis posed above the support so that the material to'be cut must be passed under the 'clamping member and placed 111'1)t).1l10l1 to be cut, and friction means actuated by downward .movement of the knife for depressing the flexible member into clamping position, said means automatically elevating the flexible I clamping member during upward movement of the knife.

3. In a device of the character-described,

a supportto receive the material to be cut,

a shearing plate at one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation'to said shear" plate secured ing plate, a stationary guard to the support and disposed rearwardly of the shearing plate and knife and extending substantially from end to end of the shearing plate and knife, said guard plate being disposed above the support so that the material ,to be cut must be passed. under the stationary guard plate when placed in p051 ytion to be cut, a clamping pla'tehingedly se cured to the lower edge of the guard plate and extending substantially from end to end thereof, a plurality of interspaced flexible fingers projecting forward" from said clamping plate, and means actuated by downward 'movement of the knife forautomatically depressing the elan'iping member to secure the material to be out, said means autonnltically raising the clamping member during upward movement of the knife. I

' 4. In a device of the character described, a support to receive the material to be cut, a shearing plate at one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation to said shearing plate, a stationary guard plate secured to the support and disposed rearwardly of the shearing plate and knife and extending substantially from end to end of the shearing plate and knife, said posed above the support so that the material to be cut must be passed under the stationary guard platewhen placed in position to be cut, a clamping member hingedly secured to the lower edge of the guard and extending substantially from end to end thereof, and a friction drive interposed between the knife and the clamping member whereby the clamping member is automatically depressed during upward guard plate being disto secure the material during downward movement of the knife and whereby the clamping member is automatically elevated during upward movement of the knife.

5. In a device of the character described, a support to receive material to be cut, a shearing plate at one end thereof, a journal member-at one end of the support, a shaft mounted in said journal and disposed at right angles to'the longitudinal edge of the shearing plate, a knife secured on one end of the shaft, said knife extending substantially from end to end of the shearing plate and having a handle on its opposite end whereby it may be swung about its pivoted end, a combination guard and clamping plate disposed rearwardly of the shearing plate and parallel therewith, a friction member actuated by pivotal movement of the knife, and means for transmitting movement from the friction member to raise and lower the clamping member with relation to the shearing plate.

6. In a device of the character described,

' a support to receive material to be cut, a shearing plate at one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation to said shearing plate, a clampingmember supported adjacent the shearing plate and extending substantially from end toend thereof, and being disposed above the support so that material to be cut must be passed under the clamping member when placed inposition to be cut, a friction member actuated by movement of the knife to move in onedirection when the knife moves downwardly and to move in the opposite direction when the knife moves upwardly, and means for transmitting movement from ,the

friction member to raise'and lower the clamping member with relation to the shearing plate. 7

7. In a device of the character described, a support to receive material to be cut, a shearing plate at one end thereof, a knife vertically movable with relation to said shearing plate, a clamping member supported adjacent the shearing plate and extending substantially from end to end thereof, and being dis- 'Eosed above the support so that material to e cut must be passed under the clamping member when placed in position to be cut, and means actuated by downward movement of the knife from any raised position thereof for moving the clamping member into engagement with the paper to be out, said means automatically raising the clamping member during the initialupward movement of the knife.

- HENRY BOSCH, JR. 

